Where There's Momentum, There's Impact

Hello to the agriculture community and all friends of Maine agriculture.

I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone reading this who is committed to supporting Maine agriculture. You are helping to create momentum and impact by investing your dollars in the farmers and producers who grow, produce, create goods and products, or provide services. Your purchases at local markets and shops, in-person at farmstands and farmers’ markets, and by ordering dishes featuring local ingredients at your favorite restaurants are good for Maine agriculture in multiple ways. Buying local products and looking for the Real Maine logo puts and keeps more money into the local economy, which is a win for farmers and consumers. On behalf of farmers across Maine, thank you.

At DACF, we are fortunate to have a dedicated team that is passionate about promoting agriculture and helping farmers succeed. Earlier this winter, I introduced our new Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources Director, Craig Lapine. Craig accepted his appointment after Nancy McBrady transitioned from Bureau Director to Deputy Commissioner. Nancy served as Bureau Director starting in 2019. Craig joined DACF in 2020 to support our policy and communications team and manage projects, including leading the Ending Hunger in Maine by 2030 initiative.

Another person joining the DACF team is Jo D. Saffeir, who stepped into the role of Special Assistant to the Commissioner. Jo D. has a long-standing reputation as an effective and trusted facilitator and project manager over the past

30 years in the natural resource sector and beyond and has been deeply involved in the Maine Climate Council’s Natural and Working Lands work group and its ongoing work.

Another recent key addition to the DACF team is Beth Valentine, our PFAS Fund Director. The $60 million PFAS Fund, proposed by Governor Mills and passed by the State Legislature, will provide direct relief to Maine farmers impacted by PFAS contamination. Beth oversees the administration and coordination of the PFAS Fund, works with the PFAS Advisory Committee, leads planning to establish funding priorities, and oversees the implementation of programs to allocate funds.

DACF is committed to supporting Maine's food system and agricultural infrastructure and those who operate them for the long term. Again, I thank everyone for looking for ways to support Maine agriculture. Doing so today ensures that multi-generational farms, aspiring and beginning farmers, and future generations will be stepping into a more profitable and sustainable industry. Please follow DACF on social media, attend the many spring and summer agri-tourism events included in this insert and on RealMaine.com, and look to our careers webpage on maine.gov/dacf to see if there is a role you can fill in our dynamic department. We post new opportunities routinely.

Thank you again for caring about Maine agriculture.